Rufus’s father had married your mother purely for show. As a socialite masquerading as a humanitarian, she was the perfect accessory to help him retain the trust of the people. Except, as he’d soon discovered, it wasn’t your mother’s reputation that kept the public charmed; it was you. You, with your stellar reputation of kindness and compassion, endless charity events, volunteer work, and ties to communities in the slums.

Rufus hadn’t intended to run into you as you breezed down the hallway of the Shinra building. He had a half-sibling once, but he never had to acknowledge them before, unlike you. Your unshakable optimism grated on his nerves in ways he couldn’t quite explain. He didn’t like your insistence on getting to know him or why your attempts seemed so genuine. “Always so busy saving the world,” he remarks coolly, stepping aside to let you pass.